Children who are hooked on the Internet and cellphones are to be offered help at what is thought to be the first dedicated technology addiction service for young people in Britain

The Capio Nightingale Hospital in central London launched the new service for patients as young as 12 following calls from parents concerned about their children's obsession. Youngsters will be weaned off their gadgets in a residential unit and will also be taught face-to-face social skills.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Richard Graham said parents had told him their children flew 'into a rage' when they were asked to turn off their computers and police had even been called to settle the rows.

Dr Graham, who is leading the new addiction treatment, said rehab services need to 'adapt quickly' to help young people affected by technology addiction -- who he dubbed 'screenagers'. "With the first Young Person Technology Addiction Service, we hope to address the underlying causes of this addiction to transform screenagers back into teenagers."

Switch off time

The treatment aims to increase off-screen social activities and improve the person's confidence in face-to-face situations, the lack of which may have made them more susceptible to technology addiction. It also encourages them to think about their relationship with their phone, or social networking websites and teaches them skills to help them to switch off.

The treatment package may also include a look at body image and physical health if the addiction has affected the child's confidence, activity levels or diet.